Four Defenses to Start in Fantasy Football Week 9

The New York Giants, Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams are recommended as Week 9 fantasy football starts, with each facing an offense that could offer defensive scoring opportunities. The picks were published on November 4, as managers prepare their lineups for the week’s games.

The Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles after a disappointing fantasy performance in Week 8. Philadelphia has scored 21 and 10 points in its past two games, and the Giants have recorded 21 sacks, five fumble recoveries and six interceptions this season. The Eagles have also been dealing with injuries and limitations among key players on offense.

Chicago is coming off a D/ST8 finish in Week 8 and plays Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have leaned heavily on the run in recent weeks, but the Bears allow just 86.8 rushing yards per game, the fourth-lowest figure in the NFL. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield has thrown for no more than 217 yards in a game this season and has a 3-to-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Jacksonville, which ranked first among fantasy defenses in Week 8, faces Baltimore without Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley. Joe Fagnano is set to start. The Jaguars allow a league-low 77.4 rushing yards per game and have nine interceptions; Fagnano threw for 91 yards and an interception after entering Baltimore’s Week 8 game.

The Rams are also recommended against Washington, with defensive end Myles Garrett expected to return. Washington has allowed 14 sacks over its past three games, giving Los Angeles an opportunity to build on a strong defensive performance in Week 8.